Perfect Your RideShare Etiquette with These 14 Tips

“Taxi” and “cab” have been replaced by “Uber” and “Lyft” in our popular lexicon. The services are so widespread now that you can hail a ride from nearly anywhere – even outside of large cities. Whether you are a new or experienced rider or driver, these tips will help you keep your rating high and stay safe.

Tips for Riders

Leave a Tip

If the driver accepts tips and you had a nice ride or accepted a snack, bottle of water or other courtesy, tipping is appropriate. It doesn’t have to be much—most riders will appreciate any sort of tip, even as little as $1.

Get Comfy

If you need the air turned up or want to listen to music, ask. Many Uber and Lyft drivers will be more than happy to accommodate you. This is a job for them, and you are their customer. In order to keep their rating high, they want to make you happy. Some drivers even keep snacks and Tylenol in their cars, for emergencies.

Don’t Cancel

If you can help it, don’t request a ride if there is any chance you will cancel. When you do, the driver loses money. They may receive minimal compensation from Uber or Lyft, but if it happens often enough it can become a serious problem for them.

Have a Specific Pick Up Spot

If you want to be picked up at a place with more than one exit, make sure you describe the exit you will be at accurately so you can save you and your driver time. If the place you are in is very crowded, consider using a different exit or the next street over, if possible.

Verify Your Driver

Always match up the details provided on your gadget of choice to the driver and their vehicle. If anything doesn’t match up—refuse the ride. Only the information provided has been verified, there should be no vehicle or driver substitutes and there have been cases of people posing as Uber drivers. Further, unless it’s a tip, never pay in cash even if you are asked to.

Rate Generously

If you didn’t have any trouble, rate 5 stars. Anything less than that will bring a driver’s score down, and if they get less than an average of 4.6 stars they may be removed from the system and out of a job. This goes for both Uber and Lyft.

Keep it Clean

Uber is not a makeout booth or a place to leave your fast food trash. Honestly, eating in a rideshare vehicle is frowned upon unless you ask first. You can be friendly and make yourself comfortable, but take your trash with you and be respectful of your driver.

Tips for Drivers

Have the Right Equipment

Be prepared. Things every Uber or Lyft driver needs include a record book, snacks or bottled water, extra charger for any of your gadgets (or your customers’), clean blanket or towel for sick passengers or service animals, vomit bags, and disinfecting wipes.

If you are able, open the trunk and help your riders with their luggage. Open the door for them. Do what you can to make them feel comfortable and welcome.

Offer Amenities

Ask your customers if they want to listen to the radio, change the temperature, have a snack, or anything else you can offer. Some people are too shy too or wouldn’t think to ask. The more amenities you can offer, the higher your rating.

Get Educated

Know the area you are driving in. Where can you park for free during downtime? Public restrooms in the case of an emergency? Get to know the other drivers in the area and take a few rides with them.

Check Your Insurance

Yes, Uber and Lyft do cover some things but not all. Always check with your car insurance company about your coverage options when it comes to your time working as a rideshare driver. Some companies offer specific plans for Uber and Lyft drivers. You may need additional coverage to be on the safe side.

Keep Records

If you offer rides often enough, your rideshare service will qualify you as a small business. As a small business, you will be able to take several types of maintenance, promotional, and mileage tax deductions. Keep accurate records to make sure you get the most out of these benefits.

Use Your Downtime

On many days you will have some time between rides. Make the most of it. Bring a book, knitting, learn a new language, or listen to podcasts. Whatever you do, make the most of your in-between time.

Conclusion

Clearly the way of being “taxied” around town has changed drastically. Ride share is becoming an amenity from small towns to large cities, and the more you mind your manners, the more you can benefit from all it has to offer—from both a driver and a passenger position.